Defence grants boost local business advantage

​20 local businesses will share in more than $415,000 for defence and naval shipbuilding

Up to $25,000 in matched funding for small, medium-sized businesses has been allocated in Round 2 of the Defence Sector IFSP grants

A Balcatta company which uses high-tech 3D, facial recognition and infrared scanning drone technology to detect weapons and defects on navy vessels is among a group of 20 local businesses to receive defence grants from the Liberal National Government.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said the grants aimed to improve the competitive advantage of businesses vying to be part of the Australian Government's $89 billion naval shipbuilding and maintenance program, and broader defence initiatives.

"The Australian Government's major investment in naval build programs offers WA businesses specialising in naval defence shipbuilding, cyber security and drone technology an opportunity to become part of a significant procurement supply chain," Mr Mischin said.

"The dollar-for-dollar funding provided by Round 2 of the Defence Sector Industry Facilitation and Support Program (IFSP) will help small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with cyber innovation initiatives and defence-related drone projects.

"Specifically, this second round of defence funding will go towards software and equipment purchase and upgrades, marketing and business plans, support for accreditation, testing and training.

"The additional investment will enable SMEs to engage with the market, undertake important planning and raise their profile, ultimately leading to defence contract opportunities.

"The Liberal National Government is supporting WA businesses to secure defence industry work and is committed to further growing the industry and securing local jobs for decades to come."

The Minister said the initial defence round of the IFSP committed $350,000 to 15 SMEs, with six of those businesses reporting that the funding resulted in more than $9 million in contract awards and 14 new employment opportunities, including seven apprenticeships.

Fact File

Full list of grant recipients below

Since 2011, nine IFSP rounds across a range of sectors have committed $4.4 million to 257 SMEs. This has led to more than $343 million in contract awards and 658 new employment opportunities, including 80 apprenticeships

Of the 20 successful grant recipients of the Defence Sector IFSP Round 2 announced today, 14 SMEs currently supply to the defence sector while six businesses are seeking to enter the industry